Mathematics

This is an archived copy of the 2014-15 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.norwich.edu/.

Professors Cathy Frey, Gerard LaVarnway, Robert Poodiack (Chair) and Ernest True; Associate Professors Christine Latulippe, Jocelyn Latulippe, Daniel McQuillan, Darlene Olsen, Jeffrey Olson, and Waclaw Timoszyk; Assistant Professor Sean Kramer; Lecturers Min Ku and Elizabeth Mathai; Adjuncts Elisabeth Gambler, Steven Grindle, Jared Krogsrud, and Carol Rogers.

The Mathematics Department offers a four-year program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. The courses offered are intended to:

  1. prepare mathematics majors for graduate work in mathematics or careers in computer science, engineering, industry, business, actuary science, or teaching;
  2. support the curricula in all disciplines, and
  3. supply the students with the mathematics courses necessary to qualify for teacher licensure.

Courses required of the mathematics major are listed in the following pages. Mathematics majors must obtain grades of “C” or higher in at least three of the four courses MA 121, MA 122, MA 223, MA 224 and in at least six math courses at the 300-400 level, other than MA 360. Courses listed in the third year and fourth year of the program as math electives are taken at the 300-400 level.

B.S. in Mathematics - Curriculum Map

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MA 121 Calculus I4MA 122 Calculus II4
EN 101 Composition and Literature I3EN 102 Composition and Literature II3
Lab Science Elective4Lab Science Elective4
Elective3MA 241 Mathematical Computation and Modeling3
 14 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MA 223 Calculus III4MA 224 Differential Equations4
MA 306 Discrete Mathematics3MA 310 Linear Algebra3
EN 201 World Literature I3EN 202 World Literature II3
General Education Elective3General Education Elective13
PS 211 University Physics I4PS 212 University Physics II4
 MA 250 Communication in Mathematics1
 17 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MA 303 Advanced Calculus I or 309 Algebraic Structures23MA 304 Advanced Calculus II or 312 Statistical Methodology II33
MA 311 Statistical Methodology3MA Elective3
General Education Elective13General Education Elective13
Elective3Elective3
Elective3MA Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MA 309 Algebraic Structures or 303 Advanced Calculus I3MA Elective3
MA 411 Senior Seminars3MA Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits: 123
1

The four required general education electives are:

  1. a course in History (except HI 209).
  2. a Social Science Elective.
  3. a course in Ethics, either PH 303 or PH 350.
  4. a Humanities Elective. 
2

MA 303 and MA 309 alternate as fall semester courses; both courses are required. For year these courses are offered See Course Descriptions.

3

MA 304 and MA 312 alternate as spring semester courses; one of the two courses is required. 

B.S. in Mathematics - Actuarial Concentration - Curriculum Map

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MA 121 Calculus I4MA 122 Calculus II4
EN 101 Composition and Literature I3EN 102 Composition and Literature II3
Lab Science Elective4Lab Science Elective4
General Education Elective13MA 241 Mathematical Computation and Modeling3
 14 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MA 223 Calculus III4MA 224 Differential Equations4
MA 306 Discrete Mathematics3MA 310 Linear Algebra3
EN 201 World Literature I3EN 202 World Literature II3
EC 201 Principles of Economics (Macro)3EC 202 Principles of Economics (Micro)3
PS 211 University Physics I4PS 212 University Physics II4
 MA 250 Communication in Mathematics1
 17 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MA 303 Advanced Calculus I or 309 Algebraic Structures23MA 312 Statistical Methodology II3
MA 311 Statistical Methodology3MA Elective3
MA 212 Finite Mathematics3General Education Elective13
General Education Elective13Elective3
Elective3MA Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MA 309 Algebraic Structures or 303 Advanced Calculus I23MA 321 Financial Mathematics3
MA 411 Senior Seminars3MA Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits: 123
1

The three required general education electives are:

  1. a course in History (except HI 209).
  2. a course in Ethics, either PH 303 or PH 350.
  3. a Humanities Elective.
2

MA 303 and MA 309 alternate as fall semester courses; both courses are required. For years these courses are offered See Course Descriptions. 

The required courses for the Actuarial Concentration are (to be completed with a grade of "C" or higher); EC 201, EC 202, MA 212, MA 311, MA 312, and MA 321.

A grade of "B-" or higher is required in EC 201, EC 202, MA 311, and MA 312 to meet the Society of Actuaries Validation by Educational Experience requirement.

B.S. in Mathematics (leading to teacher certification) - Curriculum Map

(meeting requirements for Teacher Licensure - grades 7-12 mathematics teacher)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MA 121 Calculus I4MA 122 Calculus II4
EN 101 Composition and Literature I3EN 102 Composition and Literature II3
Lab Science Elective4Lab Science Elective4
PY 211 Introduction to Psychology3MA 241 Mathematical Computation and Modeling3
ED 104 Foundations of Education3ED 104 Foundations of Education3
 17 17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MA 223 Calculus III4MA 224 Differential Equations4
MA 306 Discrete Mathematics3MA 310 Linear Algebra3
EN 201 World Literature I3EN 202 World Literature II3
ED 234 Learning and Teaching Strategies4PY 220 Developmental Psychology3
PS 211 University Physics I4PS 212 University Physics II4
 MA 250 Communication in Mathematics1
 18 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MA 303 Advanced Calculus I or 309 Algebraic Structures13MA 304 Advanced Calculus II or 312 Statistical Methodology II23
MA 311 Statistical Methodology3MA Elective3
MA Elective3MA Elective3
Elective (HI or PH or MA 360)3HU Elect, if program inc MA 3603
PY 324 Adolescent Psychology3-4ED 363 Reading and Writing in the Content Area4
 ED 315 Special Needs Child3
 15-16 19
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MA 309 Algebraic Structures or 303 Advanced Calculus I13ED 425 Student Teaching12
MA 411 Senior Seminars3 
MA Elective3 
Elective (HI or PH or MA 360)  
HU Elective  
ED 368 Curriculum & Methods in Secondary Subjects4 
 13 12
Total Credits: 129-130
1

MA 303 and MA 309 alternate as fall semester courses; both courses are required. For years these courses are offered, see Course Descriptions. 

2

MA 304 and MA 312 alternate as spring semester courses; one of the two courses is required. 

Mathematics Minor

Students must complete six courses of 3 or more credits each in mathematics (MA) above of MA 121 (at least three at the 300-400 level) with a grade of C or higher. Students are invited to design their own programs so as to blend these courses with their academic majors, with the advice of the Mathematics Department.18-24

Courses

MA 005 Preparatory Mathematics 3 Credits

A comprehensive review of the fundamentals of arithmetic and a presentation of the basic algebraic skills and concepts. Topics include basic arithmetic with signed numbers, proportions, percent, geometry, linear equations and graphing of linear equations. Applications are included throughout the course. Students assigned to MA005 must satisfactorily complete it before enrolling in any other mathematics course. If required, MA005 must be completed by the end of the first year of study. This course will not meet any degree requirements and cannot be used as an elective. 3 lecture hours.

MA 101 Mathematics: A Liberal Art 3 Credits

An investigation of mathematical concepts and methods with emphasis given to their impact on current and ancient problems. Topics include logic, counting problems, probability, geometry and mathematics of finance. Emphasis is on techniques of problem solving. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of MA 005 or equivalent as determined by departmental placement testing. Not open for the first time to a student with a grade of "C" or higher in MA 107, or with credit for any mathematics course requiring MA 107 as a prerequisite. Offered fall semesters.

MA 102 Mathematics: A Liberal Art 3 Credits

An investigation of mathematical concepts and methods with emphasis given to their impact on current and ancient problems. Topics include mathematics of voting systems, basic graph theory including Euler circuits and the traveling salesman problem, the mathematics of population growth, statistics, and finding fair shares. Emphasis is on techniques of problem solving. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of MA 005 or equivalent as determined by departmental placement testing. Not open for the first time to a student with a grade of "C" or higher in MA 107, or with credit for any mathematics course requiring MA 107 as a prerequisite. Offered spring semesters.

MA 103 College Algebra I 3 Credits

A comprehensive study of algebraic topics, this course provides a strong foundation for subsequent mathematics-based courses. Topics include introduction to functions, polynomials, factoring, inequalities, systems of linear equations with two variables, integer exponents, and linear, quadratic, radical, and rational equations. Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in M A005 or equivalent as determined by departmental placement testing. Not open for the first time to students who have received degree credit in any math course except MA 101, MA 102. This course does not fulfill the General Education requirement in mathematics. 3 lecture hours.

MA 107 Precalculus Mathematics 4 Credits

A course on topics in precalculus mathematics involving algebra and trigonometry designed to prepare students to progress into introductory calculus. It is a rapid development of elementary topics in algebra to linear, quadratic, logarithmic, and exponential functions, followed by an analytical treatment of trigonometry. Prerequisite: Grade of "C" or better in MA 103 or equivalent as determined by departmental placement testing. Not open for the first time to students with credit in any course requiring MA 107 as a prerequisite.

MA 108 Applied Calculus 4 Credits

A course on topics in analytical geometry progressing to differential and integral calculus. Presentation of a wide variety of practical application to technology, business, and science. Not open for the first time to a student with credit in MA 121 or any course requiring MA 108 as a prerequisite. Prerequisite: MA 107 or equivalent as determined by departmental placement testing. Not more than one of MA 108 or MA 121 may count as degree credit.

MA 121 Calculus I 4 Credits

An introduction to plane analytic geometry and to differential and integral calculus. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in MA 107 or equivalent as determined by departmental placement testing. Not more than one of MA 108 or MA 121 may count as degree credit.

MA 122 Calculus II 4 Credits

A continuation of MA 121. Transcendental functions, methods of integration, vectors, polar coordinates, indeterminate forms, L'Hopital's Rule, improper integrals, infinite sequences and series. Prerequisite: MA 121 or "C" or better in MA 108 and permission of the department.

MA 160 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I 3 Credits

This course will address an advanced perspective of topics in algebra and the real number system as they relate to the teaching and learning of mathematics. Course structure involves an emphasis on problem solving and communication; making, following and assessing mathematical argument; and developing an array of mathematical strategies and understandings which can be extended across K-6 mathematics. This course is open to education majors. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of MA 005 or equivalent as determined by departmental placement testing. Offered fall semesters of even years. 3 lecture hours. This course does not meet Gen Ed Math requirements.

MA 161 Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II 3 Credits

This course will address an advanced perspective of topics in geometry, measurement, statistics, data analysis, and probability as they relate to the teaching and learning of mathematics. Course structure involves an emphasis on problem solving and communication; making, following and assessing mathematical argument; and developing an array of mathematical strategies and understandings which can be extended across K-6 mathematics. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MA 160. Offered spring semesters of odd years. 3 lecture hours.

MA 199 Mathematics test course 4 Credits

This course is designed for Nursing majors only.

MA 212 Finite Mathematics 3 Credits

This course includes linear algebra with applications to systems of equations, linear programming, math of finance, sets, combinatorial analysis, and probability theory. Prerequisite: MA 107 or equivalent as determined by department placement testing. Offered spring semesters.

MA 220 Geometry in Action 3 Credits

MA 223 Calculus III 4 Credits

A course that continues MA 122. Topics include multiple integration, solid analytic geometry, partial differentiation, two- and three- dimensional vector analysis. Prerequisite: MA 122. Offered fall semesters.

MA 224 Differential Equations 4 Credits

Ordinary differential equations are developed as models of physical phenomena. Differential equations are investigated by finding exact solutions and using computer software to determine the solution to linear and non-linear problems. Solution techniques include operator methods, Laplace transforms, and numerical methods. Prerequisite: MA 122. Offered spring semesters.

MA 232 Elementary Statistics 3 Credits

A course that covers the study of frequency distributions, averages and standard deviations, normal curve, probability, decision-making, sampling techniques, testing hypotheses, chi-square, students-t and F-distributions, correlation and linear regression. This course is valuable for those who plan to enter teaching. Prerequisite: A college level mathematics course or equivalent as determined by departmental placement testing. Not open to students with credit in MA 311.

MA 235 Clinical Mathematical Methods 3 Credits

A course investigating mathematical concepts and methods used in the health care settings. This course will cover the essential math for medication calculations, the continued development of statistical techniques utilized in scientific research, and the mathematics of population dynamics and epidemiological studies. Case studies will be used where appropriate. Emphasis will be on critical thinking and logic of math in a health care environment and in health care research and administration. This is a mathematics course for Nursing Majors. Prerequisites: MA 232. Offered Fall semesters. 3 lecture hours and 1 laboratory hour. 3 credits.

MA 240 Introduction to Number Theory and Cryptology 3 Credits

An introduction to fundamental topics in number theory, including the real number system, prime numbers, modular arithmetic, the Euclidean Algorithm, Fermat's Theorem, Euler's Theorem, Euler's Phi Function. Topics will be applied to Caesar and affine ciphers and the Chinese Remainder Theorem. Prerequisite: MA 107 and knowledge of a programming language or permission of the instructor. Offered fall semesters.

MA 241 Mathematical Computation and Modeling 3 Credits

A course designed to introduce effective problem solving strategies and modeling techniques to find solutions to complex and often ill-defined problems. Introductory material chosen from common experiences encompassing many academic disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the development of mathematical models and computation on a variety of computing platforms and programming environments. Prerequisite: MA 108, MA 121 or permission of instructor. Offered spring semesters.

MA 250 Communication in Mathematics 1 Credit

This course illustrates the organization of the mathematical literature, the efficient search of the literature and a formal introduction to writing mathematics. Prerequisite: Sophomore Mathematics Major or permission of the instructor.

MA 303 Advanced Calculus I 3 Credits

A course that provides an extension of concepts of basic calculus to functions of several variables to include limits, continuity, differentiation, and Riemann integration. Treatment of selected topics not included in the basic calculus series as a foundation for more advanced courses in analysis and applied mathematics is also included. Prerequisite: MA 223 and either MA 306 or permission of the instructor. Offered Fall semesters of even numbered years. 3 lecture hours.

MA 304 Advanced Calculus II 3 Credits

A course that continues with the content of MA 303, including limits, continuity, differentiation, and Riemann integration. Treatment of selected topics not included in the basic calculus series as a foundation for more advanced courses in analysis and applied mathematics is also included. Prerequisite: MA 303. Offered Spring semesters of odd numbered years.

MA 306 Discrete Mathematics 3 Credits

A course in logic, sets, techniques of proof, relations and functions, directed and undirected graphs, algebraic systems, Boolean algebra, and emphasis on applications in various areas of computer science. Prerequisite: MA 108 or MA 121 and knowledge of computer programming. Offered fall semesters.

MA 308 Modern Geometry 3 Credits

A course in modern geometries that includes foundations of Euclidean geometry and the development of non-Euclidean geometries. Recommended for prospective teachers. Prerequisite: MA 108 or MA 121. Offered Spring 2010 and every third year. 3 lecture hours.

MA 309 Algebraic Structures 3 Credits

A course on groups, rings, fields, morphisms, vector spaces; special topics selected from group theory, algebraic number theory, field theory, Galois theory. Prerequisite: MA 306 or permission of the instructor. Offered Fall semesters of odd numbered years. 3 lecture hours.

MA 310 Linear Algebra 3 Credits

A theoretical course on such topics as matrices, determinants, linear equations, vector spaces, bases and dimensions, linear transformations, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors. Prerequisite: MA 223 or permission of the instructor. Offered spring semesters.

MA 311 Statistical Methodology 3 Credits

A course designed to provide a firm foundation for the employment of statistical methodology in engineering and the sciences. Examples drawn from the technical fields will be used throughout. The course will cover probability, continuous and discrete statistical distributions, estimation, tests of hypotheses, and sample regression. As time permits, other topics may be examined based on the interests of the students. Prerequisite: MA 223. Offered fall semesters. 3 lecture hours.

MA 312 Statistical Methodology II 3 Credits

A continuation of MA 311. Continued development of statistical techniques utilized in scientific and engineering research. Topics to be covered include regression, multiple regression, analysis of variance, experimental design, statistical quality control, time series/forecasting, and reliability analysis. Prerequisite: MA 311. Offered Spring semesters of even numbered years. 3 lecture hours.

MA 318 Cryptology 3 Credits

A course that covers fundamental mathematical concepts from modern algebra, number theory, and other areas of mathematics. Provides a foundation for the understanding of classical encryption systems and modern encryption methods. Emphasis on the mathematical underpinnings germane to cryptoloty. Prepares students for advanced study of modern cryptography. Experience implementing encryption, decryption and cryptanalytic methods on a variety of systems. Prerequisite: MA 240 and knowledge of a programming language or permission of instructor. Offered spring semesters. 3 lecture hours.

MA 321 Financial Mathematics 3 Credits

A course designed to extend the student’s understanding of the fundamental concepts of financial mathematics, and application of these concepts in calculating present and accumulated values for various streams of cash flows as a basis for future use in reserving, valuation, pricing, asset/liability management, investment income, capital budgeting and valuing contingent cash flows. The student will also be given an introduction to financial instruments, including derivatives, and the concept of no–arbitrage as it relates to financial mathematics. Offered Spring semesters of odd years. Prerequisites: MA 121 or MA 108, and MA 212. 3 lecture hours.

MA 360 Teaching Mathematics at the Elementary - Middle School Level 3 Credits

A course in the content, methods, and materials for the teaching of elementary and middle school mathematics. Prerequisites: MA 161. 3 lecture hours.

MA 370 Introduction to Operations Research 3 Credits

A course that concentrates on the fundamental concepts and techniques necessary to enable an individual to obtain "optimal" solutions to problems in business, economics, engineering, and the physical and behavioral sciences. Topics include linear programming, network analysis, dynamic programming. Prerequisites: MA 212 or MA 223. Offered Spring semesters of odd numbered years. 3 lecture hours.

MA 380 Theory of Computation 3 Credits

This course introduces the theory of computability, including important results from the study of automata and formal languages. Includes introductory material about the theory of directed graphs and trees. A discussion of automata and their relationship to regular, context free and context-sensitive languages. General theories of computability, including Turing machines, and recursive functions. Further topics include decidability, undecidability and computational complexity. Prerequisite: MA 306. Offered Spring semesters of even numbered years. 3 lecture hours.

MA 390 Numerical Linear Algebra and Analysis 3 Credits

Numerical techniques for solving problems in linear algebra and analysis. Topics to be studied include integration, interpolation, function approximation, solutions of systems of equations, locating Eigen values. Attention will be paid to the theoretical aspects of the techniques, with particular emphasis on estimation of errors and on convergence properties of iterative techniques. Prerequisites: MA 241, MA 224. Offered Spring 2009 and every third year. 3 lecture hours.

MA 399 Mathematical Problem Solving 3 Credits

MA 405 Complex Analysis 3 Credits

A course in complex numbers, analytic functions, differentiation, and integration of complex functions, Taylor and Laurent series, evaluation of improper real integrals. Prerequisites: MA 223 and either MA 306 or permission of the instructor. Offered Spring 2011 and every third year. 3 lecture hours.

MA 407 Vector Analysis 3 Credits

A course that analyzes scalar and vector fields. Topics included are Newtonian kinematics and Kepler's Law of Planetary Motion, gradient, divergence, curl, theorems of Green, Stokes, Gauss, curvilinear coordinates. Prerequisite: MA 223. Offered Fall 2009 and every third year. 3 lecture hours.

MA 411 Senior Seminars 3 Credits

Advanced study designed to develop student competence in working independently and to afford students an opportunity to pursue topics not otherwise offered by the department. Prerequisite: senior standing in mathematics or permission of the instructor. This is the capstone course for the Mathematics Major. 3 lecture hours.

MA 412 Senior Seminars 3 Credits

Advanced study designed to enhance student competence in working independently and to afford students an opportunity to pursue topics not otherwise offered by the department. Topics may extend research performed in MA 411 or be a topic independent of MA 411. Prerequisite: MA 411. 3 lecture hours.

MA 421 Number Theory 3 Credits

A course in the properties of integers, prime numbers, congruencies, Diophantine equations, quadratic reciprocity. Prerequisite: MA 306 or permission of the instructor. Offered Spring 2011 and every third year. 3 lecture hours.